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Legislative

Space Florida is responsible for advocating the needs of Florida’s space industry to the Florida Legislature and Congress. Legislative support is critical to accomplishing the mission of Space Florida. Funding for spaceport infrastructure, financing and business development by the Florida Legislature has been crucial to Space Florida’s successes. Over $100 million have been appropriated by the Florida Legislature in the past 6 years, proving that the state of Florida is fully supportive of growing both the civil and commercial space industry.

Additionally, significant policy shifts have taken place in favor of Florida at both the state and federal level since Space Florida’s creation. In 2008 Florida adopted spaceflight informed consent laws. In 2011, manufacturers and suppliers were exempted from liability due to the inherent risk of spaceflight. Also, in 2011 the Florida Legislature passed tax credits specific to the space industry. In 2012 space was further incorporated into the Florida Department of Transportation with spaceports currently funded within the five year work program.

Florida Space Industry to Visit Capitol on January 11 for Space Day

Jan 10, 2012

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FL, Jan. 6, 2012 – Representatives from Florida’s aerospace industry will visit Tallahassee on January 11, 2012, to participate in Florida Space Day and share with legislators the challenges facing this important business sector as the nation’s space program evolves.

“With the third largest space industry in the nation, Florida has a lot at stake in the decisions being made both in Tallahassee and in Washington D.C. regarding support for the space program,” said Jim McCarthy, chairman of Florida Space Day 2012.

“Florida’s legislators, local officials and business community leaders have worked together over the last several years to lay the groundwork for moving the aerospace industry forward following the retirement of the Space Shuttle Program. As Florida has only secured 3% of a $270B global aerospace industry, we must continue to position the state to capture new and diverse opportunities. It is also important to continue the industry’s role in providing opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) to inspire the current and future youth of our state and nation,” McCarthy said.

During Space Day, industry leaders and other aerospace supporters will meet with House and Senate members, as well Lt. Governor Jennifer Carroll, to discuss the status of the industry, which is worth about $8 billion and impacts every county in the state.

“Florida is home to two of just eight commercially-licensed spaceports in the country. We are one of only three states in the nation conducting commercial orbital launches. We have tremendous capabilities available to capitalize on the emerging opportunities in aerospace industry. It is our hope that the state will continue to be aggressive in helping to create a robust atmosphere for space business,” McCarthy added.

Florida Space Day is a milestone event that presents an opportunity to educate and raise awareness among Florida legislators about the significance of the aerospace industry and its impact on Florida's economy.

MEDIA ADVISORY:Space Day 2012 Chairman Jim McCarthy will be available for interviews during the day on Jan. 11 on the 3rdnd floor of the Capitol, near the Space Day booth. To request an interview, please contact Tina Vanover at cell: (321) 759-9797, or christina.r.vanover@nasa.gov